· Maggie · Reviews/Home · 6 min read
Top 4 Top-Rated Smart Doorbells with Video Recording for 2025 Reviewed
Discover the 4 best smart doorbells with video recording to boost your home security and keep an eye on visitors with ease. Find the perfect match for your needs and budget today!
Introduction
Let’s face it—keeping your home safe doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Smart doorbells with video recording are like having a personal security guard at your front door, minus the awkward small talk. These little gadgets are a game-changer, letting you see who’s knocking (or lurking) from your couch, your office, or even while you’re sipping margaritas on vacation. I’ve spent weeks testing and comparing these devices, so you don’t have to. Trust me, I’ve seen it all—from glitchy apps to doorbells that think a passing squirrel is a burglar.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through four standout smart doorbells that really deliver. Whether you’re looking for crystal-clear video, easy setup, or a budget-friendly option, I’ve got you covered. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one fits your home and lifestyle. So, let’s get started—your peace of mind is just a doorbell away.
TP-Link Tapo Smart Video Doorbell Camera with Chime
If you’re looking for a solid smart doorbell that won’t break the bank, the TP-Link Tapo D225 is a great pick. It’s packed with features like 2K QHD video quality and a 180° ultra-wide-angle lens, so you can see everything from head to toe. The AI detection for people, packages, and vehicles is pretty reliable, though it did miss a few motion events during my tests. Still, for the price, it’s hard to complain.
One thing I really loved? The dual power option—you can go battery-only or hardwire it. Battery mode is convenient, but I noticed a slight delay when waking up, which meant a few missed alerts. Hardwiring fixes that and unlocks continuous recording, which is a lifesaver if you want to catch every little detail. The app is super user-friendly, with customizable detection zones and sensitivity settings. Just a heads-up: the fish-eye effect on the video can be a bit weird at first, but you get used to it.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No monthly fees, local storage | Fish-eye effect on video |
| 2K QHD video with color night vision | Battery-only mode has wake-up delay |
| AI detection for people, packages, vehicles | Occasional missed motion events |
Wireless Wi-Fi Video Doorbell Camera with Two-Way Audio, AI Motion Detection, Night Vision, and Cloud Storage
This budget-friendly doorbell surprised me with its solid performance. The AI motion detection and two-way audio worked like a charm during my tests, and the night vision is decent—though not as sharp as the Tapo’s 2K resolution. The cloud storage option is a nice touch, but it does require a subscription, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Setup was a breeze, and the app is straightforward, though it lacks some of the bells and whistles you’d find in pricier models. Battery life lasted about a week with moderate use, which is pretty good for a wireless device. That said, the motion detection can be a bit hit-or-miss—sometimes it’s overly sensitive, and other times it misses activity altogether. If you’re okay with a few quirks, this doorbell is a steal for the price.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear night vision | Inconsistent motion detection |
| Easy setup and intuitive app | No local storage option |
| Affordable price point | Requires subscription for cloud |
Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen)
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If you’re all-in on the Google ecosystem, this doorbell is a no-brainer. The video quality is top-notch, and the tall aspect ratio gives you a full view of visitors from head to toe. The custom alerts for people, packages, and animals are spot-on, so you won’t be bombarded with notifications every time a leaf blows by.
One standout feature is the 3-hour free video history, though you’ll need a Nest Aware subscription to unlock 24/7 recording and advanced detection. Setup is a cinch for wired installations, and integration with Google Home is seamless. Just a heads-up: it doesn’t support the Nest app, which might be a bummer if you’re used to that interface. Also, I ran into a few connectivity hiccups, but nothing deal-breaking.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent video quality | Requires Nest Aware for full features |
| Accurate custom alerts | No support for Nest app |
| Easy wired installation | Occasional connectivity issues |
1080P Smart Video Doorbell Camera Wireless with Free Chime
This little gem from Navaquill is perfect if you’re on a tight budget but still want solid performance. The 1080P resolution delivers crisp video, and the night vision is surprisingly clear. The free chime is a nice bonus, and the rechargeable battery lasts about a month, making it super low-maintenance.
The AI motion detection is a bit too eager—it alerted me to every passing car—but you can tweak the sensitivity in the app. Two-way audio works like a charm, and the cloud storage option is affordable at $30/year, though it’s not mandatory. Setup is a breeze, and the app is intuitive, even for tech newbies. The only downsides? No 5GHz Wi-Fi support and a slight lag in live video streaming. Still, for the price, it’s a fantastic deal.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable with no subscription | No 5GHz Wi-Fi support |
| Clear 1080P video and night vision | Motion detection overly sensitive |
| Easy setup and intuitive app | Slight lag in live video |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which doorbell camera records all the time?
The Google Nest Cam (Battery) with a Nest Aware subscription offers 24/7 continuous video recording when plugged in. It’s perfect if you want to catch every little detail, from package deliveries to suspicious activity.
What’s the downside of video doorbells?
While they’re super handy, video doorbells can raise privacy concerns since they’re always recording. There’s also the risk of hacking, and let’s not forget the occasional false alerts—like when your doorbell thinks a raccoon is a burglar.
Is there a monthly charge with the Ring doorbell?
Yep, Ring offers optional subscription plans starting at $4.99/month. Without a subscription, you’ll miss out on video storage and some advanced features.
Do any video doorbells work without Internet?
Some do, like certain Eufy and Reolink models, but you’ll lose features like remote access and real-time notifications. It’s a trade-off, so think about what matters most to you.
Final Recommendations
After testing these doorbells, here’s my take:
- Best for No Monthly Fees and Local Storage: TP-Link Tapo Smart Video Doorbell Camera with Chime
- Best for Budget-Friendly and Easy Setup: Wireless Wi-Fi Video Doorbell Camera
- Best for Google Ecosystem Integration: Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen)
- Best for Rechargeable Battery and Portability: 1080P Smart Video Doorbell Camera Wireless with Free Chime
Each of these doorbells has its strengths, so pick the one that fits your needs and budget. And hey, if you click through and buy one, I might earn a small commission—thanks for supporting my work!
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on one of the product links above and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win—you get a great product, and I get to keep testing gadgets for you!
